Ian Harte describes Giovanni Trapattoni as 'a clown'

Ian Harte has claimed Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni did not know he was eligible for selection for the national side and has described the veteran Italian as "a clown".

The Reading left-back, who played a part in their two goals against Sunderland at the weekend, said on Twitter that he has not retired from international duty and the Italian was unaware he was Irish.

Harte said: “To all the people asking if I have retired from international football.no I haven't trap didn't even know I was Irish #whataclown.”

This is the second time that Harte has spoken out against Trapattoni for ignoring his claims for a recall to the Irish squad.

Harte initially made the claim that Trapattoni did not know he was an Ireland player in 2011 until he was informed by a member of the squad.

"I was speaking to a few of the players and they said he did not realise I was Irish, even though I have played 67 times, scored 11 goals and am the second leading scorer in the squad,” the Reading defender said.

When questioned on the issue, Trapattoni hit back: "Harte? We know Harte. (Stephen) Ward for me now is better. He can improve. Harte is 33. I already said that we look to improve this squad."